Honey Locust Tree Maintenance and Care

The honey locust is an attractive, broadleaf tree with leaves similar to acacia or mimosa trees. It has fragrant flowers in the spring. It is a fast-growing tree that can grow to 20-25 feet in 6-7 years, and reach a total height of 70 feet. They are great shade trees. They are hardy, tolerating drought and pollution well. Grass can be easily grown underneath it as during the summer it casts a filtered light through its leaves.

Maintenance

The best kind of honey locust for planting in your garden are the thornless and podless varieties, such as the ‘Sunburst’, ‘Shademaster’ and ‘Majestic’ cultivars. Pruning is only necessary for young honey locusts in the fall months (September and October). The older trees rarely require pruning. This tree is excellent in the fall, as the leaves crumble and break apart on the ground, eliminating raking needs. Twice yearly, the tree should be sprayed to control webworm infestations, which can become a problem and defoliate the tree if not deal with.

Care

Honey locusts should be fertilized with a good 20-10-10 fertilizer, at least every 2-3 years in the spring. Fertilizer can be spread over the surface of the ground at the base of the tree, or into holes dug into the ground. Honey locusts are generally very tolerant of poor soil conditions but fertilizer always helps, as does an annual autumnal application of compost and mulch to the base of the tree. This care will only enhance the healthy growth and beauty of the tree!